Collingwood player charged with assault

Michael Gleeson

A YOUNG Collingwood player has been charged with assault after a fight outside a nightclub during a Christmas trip home to Western Australia.

Marley Williams, 19, a former rookie-listed player, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, and will appear in court at a later date.

Collingwood last night confirmed the that charges had been laid, but said that as it was a police matter they could make no further comment. It was reported in Perth that the incident stemmed from an altercation inside a night club in Albany and resumed outside about 1.30am. A man was reported to have suffered a possible broken jaw in the fight.

Williams made his debut for the Magpies this year and managed six games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

He impressed coach Nathan Buckley with his hard attack on the ball and ability to play roles for the club.

A strong-bodied midfielder and a long left-foot kick, he was taken at pick 35 in last year's rookie draft.

Meanwhile, Melbourne footballers Jeremy Howe, James Frawley and Lynden Dunn will have to explain themselves to the club after one of them was ejected from the cricket during an afternoon drinking at the MCG on Boxing Day.

Howe was asked to leave by security staff after exchanging words with other fans on Wednesday.